Phase 1 Desk Study Assessments


« Back


A Phase 1 desk study forms a critical part of the planning and development process and is often a pre-requisite of the Local Authority planning process. Its aim is to provide a qualitative assessment of geotechnical and geo-environmental issues and to define the conceptual risks to the development, its end-users and the surrounding environment.

Although typically regarded as a regulatory requirement, ECG believe that the Phase 1 desk study should be viewed as an important opportunity for a client to undertake their own due diligence on an investment in order to approach a project fully-informed.

EGC offer bespoke and fully-interpretive Phase 1 desk study assessments covering the following;

  • Critical review of site-specific sources of information including historical Ordnance Survey maps, aerial photographs, local and national archives, geological records, groundwater vulnerability maps, and regulatory record

  • Preparation of a Conceptual Site Model

  • Assessment of the likelihood that sources of contamination / ground gases in the ground beneath or near the site

  • Assessment of the consequence or severity of any impacts arising, should contamination be present

  • Preparation of a preliminary contaminated land risk assessment focusing on both Human Health and Controlled Waters receptors

  • Assessment of potential geotechnical factors which could have implications for the development (i.e. mining, ground dissolution, heave/desiccation, ground movement)

The process of assessment is administered through the planning process and individual reports may be assessed by the Contaminated Land Team or Building Control Officers within the Local Planning Authority. Each Local Authority will have their own guidance providing specific local requirements for a contaminated land report which must be followed if approval is to be granted

ECG have extensive experience liaising with many Local Planning Authorities and care able to both guide you through the process and reduce the risk of costly delays that can result in Phase 1 reports being rejected due to non-compliance.

Please contact us for more information or for an informal discussion with one of our Chartered professionals.